The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has declared full support for the nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against the recently approved 50% hike in telecom tariffs. The rights group called on Nigerians, particularly those struggling under harsh economic conditions, to unite and resist what it described as an oppressive and exploitative policy.
HURIWA strongly condemned the tariff hike, arguing that it prioritizes corporate profits over the welfare of ordinary citizens. The group criticized the Tinubu administration for implementing economic policies that allegedly benefit a few wealthy individuals while worsening the suffering of the masses.
“This administration continues to show more interest in serving big businesses and billionaires than in protecting ordinary Nigerians. The government should be working to ease the burden on citizens, not imposing policies that make life even harder,” HURIWA stated.
The organization accused the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) of working in favor of telecom companies rather than protecting consumers, alleging a lack of transparency in the regulation of data and call charges.
“The NCC, instead of defending consumers, seems to be shielding telecom companies from accountability. Nigerians are already overcharged for poor services, yet the government is enabling further exploitation through this arbitrary hike,” HURIWA alleged.
HURIWA argued that the approval of the tariff increase contradicts free-market principles, stating that if Nigeria operates a capitalist economy, telecom providers should be negotiating prices with customers rather than receiving government-backed authorizations to raise costs.
“If this is truly a free-market economy, why is the government interfering to impose price hikes? In a democracy, consumers should have a choice, not be subjected to government-imposed price increases that favor corporations,” the group said.
The association warned that the tariff hike is a direct attack on free speech and economic empowerment, particularly targeting unemployed youths who rely on social media and digital platforms for income.
“This move is a deliberate attempt to stifle digital entrepreneurship and restrict access to information. Many young Nigerians depend on the internet for their livelihoods, and making data unaffordable will only deepen poverty,” HURIWA warned.
Calling for mass participation in the February 4 protest, HURIWA urged Nigerians to resist what it described as economic oppression. It also commended civil society groups and legal activists for challenging the policy in court, expressing hope that the judiciary would uphold justice.
“This is not just an NLC protest—it is a people’s movement against economic hardship. Nigerians must rise and demand their rights. We will not stand by while anti-people policies are forced on the masses,” the group declared.
HURIWA insisted that continued resistance is necessary to prevent further exploitative policies, warning that if this tariff hike goes unchallenged, more draconian measures may follow.
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“The government has already raised fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and now telecom charges. What will be next? Nigerians must push back against this relentless economic assault,” the group asserted.
The rights group called on President Bola Tinubu to halt the tariff increase immediately and urged the National Assembly to intervene in the interest of the public.
